UML keeps nod to back NC’s PM bid

KATHMANDU, DEC 12 -

The CPN-UML has endorsed its previous decision to back the Nepali Congress prime ministerial candidate in forming a national unity government for holding another Constituent Assembly election in Baisakh (April-May).

A Central Committee meeting of the party held in Balkhu on Tuesday endorsed the Politburo decision to support the NC in forming the unity government. “The meeting has endorsed party decisions taken in previous meetings,” said UML spokesman Pradeep Gyawali.

Asked whether other party members will raise questions over the resolution in further discussions, Gyawali said the decision will not be different from one made by the Politburo and Standing Committee meetings. “The endorsement of the past decision to support the NC is final and there will be no change in future,” said Gyawali.

The UML Politburo meeting on November 28 decided to go for new CA elections. The meeting that proposed local polls along with the CA election had refused to compete unless a national unity government was formed before the date.

However, some youth leaders say some dissenting voices could be raised in further discussions, arguing that Tuesday’s meeting had only endorsed the issue of work division of CC members. Most CC members criticised the party leadership for relieving CC members of their responsibilities without consulting them.

Arun Nepal, party in-charge of Europe affairs, was replaced by Bhim Rawal and Rajendra Pande was removed from the Department of State Affairs, among others.

In the face of severe criticism from the floor, Chairman Jhala Nath Khanal and General Secretary Ishwor Pokharel apologised for the change in work division. They vowed to correct it shortly.